Chemical, morphological and microhardness changes of dentine after chemomechanical caries removal

Abstract

Background This study compared the chemical, morphological and microhardness changes in carious dentine following application of NaOCl-based (Carisolv), papain-based (Papacarie) chemomechanical caries removal agents with conventional rotary method. Methods Thirty-two carious and eight non-carious human permanent molars were used. The carious molars were randomly distributed into four groups: Group 1 (positive control) - molars were left without caries removal; Group 2 - caries excavated with rotary method; Group 3 - caries excavated with Carisolv; Group 4 - caries excavated with Papacarie. Group 5 (negative control) consisted of eight sound molars. After caries excavation, all specimens were..